A new adventure begins
With this callsign, the Radio Amateurs of Canton Vaud carry on their mission: to bring radio enthusiasts together, to promote technical experimentation and to encourage the discovery of that wonderful means of communication, amateur radio.
HB9V is not just a callsign: it is a shared identity, a rallying point for everyone who shares curiosity, technical rigour and the pleasure of communicating over the air. Whether for local contacts, international DX, digital experiments or field activations, HB9V will from now on be the signature of our collective activities.
OFCOM officially assigned us the callsign HB9V on 3 November 2025. This callsign represents our club on the Swiss and international airwaves, a symbol of our commitment and our passion for amateur radio.
What is a callsign?
Every radio amateur licensed by OFCOM receives an official callsign. This unique callsign identifies a station on the air and shows its country of origin. For Switzerland, the prefix assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is HB.
The main Swiss callsigns
HB9 - Full licence
For radio amateurs holding the HAREC licence (class 1). These operators may use all the authorised frequency bands and transmit at full power.
HB3 - Novice licence
For radio amateurs holding the novice licence (class 2). It gives access to some of the bands with reduced transmit power, ideal for getting started.
HB0 - Liechtenstein
Used by Liechtenstein, which shares the same identification system as Switzerland as a member of the International Telecommunication Union.
The HB9V callsign thus reflects both our Swiss identity and our status as a fully recognised station. It is a real symbol of identity and pride for our club.
Our vision for HB9V
With the official creation of HB9V, our goal is clear: to spread the word about amateur radio in Canton Vaud and beyond. We want to offer a lively setting where members can share, learn and grow in their common passion.
Our main priorities
- Inspiring newcomers: introducing people to amateur radio and pointing future operators towards the existing courses (HB9MM club) and the OFCOM exams for the HB9 or HB3 licence
- Sharing technical knowledge: tutorials, hands-on exchange between members and documentation on analogue, digital and hybrid modes
- Field activities: meetings, SOTA activations, contests and events to enjoy radio outdoors
- Friendliness and team spirit: building a close-knit community that welcomes all enthusiasts
Flagship project: a C4FM/WIRES-X repeater for French-speaking Switzerland
With this in mind, we are also preparing the installation of a C4FM and WIRES-X digital repeater accessible across the Vaud region. This repeater will be based on a latest-generation Yaesu DR-2X repeater, coupled with a Yaesu HRI-200 module for full integration into the worldwide WIRES-X network.
Digital audio quality
C4FM offers exceptional audio quality thanks to digital transmission, ensuring clear communications even in difficult conditions.
Hybrid compatibility
The DR-2X supports both analogue FM and C4FM digital, allowing a smooth transition for all operators.
Worldwide WIRES-X network
Instant connection to WIRES-X rooms all over the world, encouraging international exchanges and the discovery of new radio communities.
A symbol of pride and commitment
Receiving an official callsign such as HB9V is much more than an administrative formality: it is recognition by the authorities and a responsibility towards the community. We will carry this callsign with respect, passion and commitment, in keeping with the amateur radio ethics that unite us all.
Every HB9V call on the air will reflect a collective spirit, technical know-how and a shared passion for the art of radio communication.
As an official club, we are committed to upholding the fundamental principles of amateur radio: courtesy on the air, mutual help between operators, compliance with OFCOM regulations and the promotion of responsible use of the radio spectrum.
Join the HB9V movement
We invite all radio amateurs, curious minds and enthusiasts of technology and experimentation to join the HB9V club and take part in this great human and technological adventure. Whether you hold an HB9 or HB3 callsign, or are preparing for your licence, you will find a welcoming and stimulating environment with us.
How to join us
To join HB9V and take part in our activities, there are several options:
- Visit our official website to discover our projects and technical tutorials
- Join us on our local frequencies for regular QSOs
- Take part in our field activations and amateur radio events
- Follow our technical blog to keep up with the latest news
On this day, 3 November 2025, the HB9V club officially goes on the air. It is the start of a new era for amateur radio in Vaud, driven by the enthusiasm, technical skill and passion for communicating that characterise our community.
Stay tuned to our website and blog so you don't miss upcoming announcements, technical tutorials and infrastructure projects!
